Business 14 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Govt Announces 119M Litre Fuel Vessel Arrival Amid Pump Price Surge
A massive fuel shipment of 119 million litres is set to dock at Mombasa Port on Wednesday, coordinated by UNOC and the Energy Ministry, as petrol and diesel prices in Uganda climb sharply to averages of Shs5,400 and Shs5,350 per litre respectively. Officials warn oil firms against exploiting the situation driven by global tensions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-says-119m-litres-fuel-vessel-docks-wednesday-as-pump-prices-surge-5423288
The Ugandan government has confirmed that a vessel carrying 119 million litres of petrol will arrive at Mombasa Port on Wednesday. This shipment, managed by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, aims to bolster national fuel reserves and maintain supply stability.
Motorists are facing steep price hikes, with petrol now averaging Shs5,400 per litre and diesel Shs5,350 at major stations as of Monday. These mark increases of Shs320 for petrol and Shs400 for diesel since mid-February, ending over a year of relative stability.
The surges stem from global uncertainties, particularly risks around the Strait of Hormuz due to US-Israel tensions and regional frictions. Experts note higher shipping risks, insurance premiums, freight costs, and delays affecting East African imports, alongside a weakening shilling at 3720/3730 to the dollar.
Dr. Patricia Litho, the ministry’s Director of Public and Corporate Affairs, cautioned oil marketing companies (OMCs) against excessive price gouging. She stressed that while market dynamics exist, firms should not burden consumers unduly. UNOC insists supply is secure and recent hikes are not fully justified by landed costs.
Market surveys reveal price gaps: multinationals like Vivo (petrol Shs5,400, diesel Shs5,350) and Total (Shs5,399/Shs5,350) charge more than locals such as Stabex (Shs5,250/Shs5,100) and Texol (Shs5,250/Shs5,150). Transport operators report squeezed margins, with some raising fares amid passenger resistance.
Analysts predict ongoing volatility if Middle East tensions persist, though officials urge calm to avoid panic buying.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)